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Looking Back At AI In 2018 And Looking Forward In 2019: What To Expect

Terence Mills, CEO of AI.io and Moonshot, is an AI pioneer and digital technology specialist.

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I'm sure you all saw Joe Rogan's podcast with Elon Musk. If you didn't, Elon warned us of the potential negative implications artificial intelligence (AI) could impose on society. He basically stated that we had crossed the singularity with AI, and there's no turning back.

His interview sounded like a frightening sci-fi movie -- but don't be alarmed. While the power of AI is awe-striking, that doesn't mean we can't find a way to ethically integrate it into society.

If 2018 showed us anything, it's that companies are realizing the level of caution and responsibility they have to shoulder. AI in 2019 is looking to build off of that realization, with companies continuing to strive for ethical standards and social benefits. Read on to learn what I believe we can expect this year.

Building Trust

Until the past few years, AI has been as real to the public as Santa Claus. But with the public's realization that AI is imminent comes skepticism. Consumers want to know exactly what they are dealing with. How will AI affect everyday life?

Last year saw companies striving to explain exactly what AI's functions were in common terms. People won't buy things if they don't trust what they're buying. And if they don't feel like they understand what they're buying, they won't trust it.

The term "transparent AI" is one you'll be hearing a lot more of in 2019. Companies will compute abstruse descriptions of AI's functions into simple terms.

Ethical Principles

There's no sense in acting like artificial intelligence isn't potentially threatening. In the wrong hands, it could have widespread devastating effects. That's why companies are taking strict precautions regarding how it's used.

Because AI is becoming a matter of international politics, 2018 saw companies navigating through more political obstacles. The amount of power AI represents could slow down cooperation between industrial and political organizations. This could, in turn, slow down the dissemination of AI across society.

In response, companies are making sure they exercise due diligence when framing their business standards. 2019 should show more companies treading carefully when the question of political ties comes into question.

Striving For The Common Good

Last year, AI experienced many encouraging, exciting advancements. These advancements solve many of society's problems, and AI in 2019 aims to build off of these advancements.

AI's practical applications cover a wide range. But despite AI's limitless possibilities, its driving force this year is simple: Make life better and easier. Not just for the one, but for the many.

AI In Business

2018 saw businesses honing what worked for AI and what didn't. The application of assistive technology is one that you will likely see more businesses use.

Why waste productivity when you can have AI compute data in a fraction of the time? Why waste labor on supply chains when you could have AI optimize them? Artificial intelligence will increasingly become a fabric of businesses quicker than everyday life.

Perception Of AI

I believe the perception of AI will continue to improve in 2019. Most notably, AI controllers will be able to detect senses such as smells in an existing environment. This has dramatic implications for virtual reality as well. AI's ability to self-learn is what separates it from other machines, and we'll only see this learning ability improve.

AI And Entertainment

A lot of AI in 2018 was directed toward improving life in meaningful, serious ways. That's not to say that commodities weren't a primary focus as well.

In 2018, you witnessed AI predicting what you would want to watch next on Netflix. Now, think of how deep learning, the process of a computer needing no parameter input, can change Hollywood. Theoretically, this could mean that you'll see movies entirely made by computers -- and I'm not just talking about the special effects.

Eventually, we could see AI coming up with the plot and casting the characters as well. That may be far off, but it is already assisting in the creation of content and marketing strategy, and 2019 will see more of this trend.

AI And The Medical Field

One of the greatest aspects of AI is that it has the potential to aid in helping people. You should see this trend continue in 2019. Imagine a world with free healthcare -- enticing, isn't it?

For now, it's exciting to see the capability artificial intelligence has for aiding in diagnosing and prescribing treatment. Doctors will be able to consult with AI and find out all of the latest information on medicine and ailments. AI can also help detect tumors and assist with cardiac diagnoses.

It is also encouraging how AI promises to automate and reduce costs associated with the manual processes in hospitals and providers at large. At the very least, resolving these business problems will increase the bottom line and improve the quality of care by allowing hospital staff to focus more on the patient.

This is one area of artificial intelligence that is extremely promising, and it will be interesting to see the positivity that comes forth in 2019.

AI Is On The Right Path, But It Is A Narrow One

Since the 1950s, AI has tantalized us with possibility. It has also loomed over us as a threat. It has the power to cure diseases and give people an improved quality of life on a wide scale. How wonderful would life be if everyone had access to healthcare? Think of how easy you could rest knowing that your family was safe.

It also has the potential for massive destruction and the end of individual privacy. Machines could eventually know us better than we know ourselves. That's a loaded proposition.

2018 saw a shift in AI from potential to real, and there's no turning back. AI in 2019 will have to respond to the fears and lack of trust that the public has. The idea of machine deep learning is delicate, and companies must treat it as such.